Ottawa Senators Pinto Suspended for Violating Sports Betting Rules
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The NHL announced yesterday that Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto has been suspended for 41 games for activities related to sports wagering. Pinto’s suspension marks the first one in NHL history related to sports betting since it was legalized in 2018.
While it is unclear how exactly the 22-year-old forward violated the NHL’s gambling rules, he will still be missing out on half of this season. Pinto released a statement after the decision was made and the ongoing investigation closed:
2023-24 was supposed to be key in his development, as it would have been his second complete season as a full-time NHLer. After making the jump from the University of North Dakota to Ottawa in 2021, Pinto has racked up 21 goals and 22 points for 43 career points. This suspension is quite the blow to the Senators, who are expecting to compete for an Eastern Conference wild card spot later in April. Of course Pinto’s suspension will be lifted by then, but he is currently a restricted free agent. If he does not resign, the Canadian club will be left without a talented young playmaker with a knack for the scoresheet.
